[IRP] The Dead One Calls

[Toogee]

Paige was amazed that Shad got himself up after seemingly defeated. His energy knew no bounds. He claimed one of the enemies (one who strangely didn't look like the other bandits) and the two went off into the castle. Unfortunately, this left Paige with the rest of the brigands. The couple that let Shad pass turned their attention to the lone librarian. Paige walked backwards to keep facing them: she would be safe if she could get to Goldhardt.

She didn't see a third bandit coming for her from behind.

The giant of a man grabbed Paige by the collar. She let out a yelp upon being surprised and tried to slash at him with her broken rapier. In her struggle, her arm met the bandit's knife. Her hand dropped the weapon upon reflex. Paige scowled in pain as she grabbed her wounded arm. The cut was deep, the pain nauseating. The bandit's grasp moved to her hair, pulling Paige into his body. His knife went to her neck, the blade threatening to cut into her.

"I'm sick of this bull," the bandit grumbled to himself, "Feels like this battle's been going on for months."

Paige tried to get a look at her captor. The only discernible feature she could notice was his bald head. Her captor felt her struggle and tightened his grip. His leg went between hers to keep Paige locked in place. He turned to the battle before them.

The next thing Baldy said came in a roar for all to hear.

"My men! TO ME, RIGHT NOW!" he called out. To the group of self-proclaimed heroes, Baldy brandished Paige like a trophy to get their attention.

"To the rest, you will drop your weapons, call off your beasts, and SURRENDER! I don't need to tell you what will happen if you refuse."

Paige looked on with an apologetic stare to her comrades, her white sleeve slowly turning red.